Within the Mind's Shadows of Spirituality

My feet carefully test each rock, pressing down on it. If it should sift through the soft sand, I won't use it. I'm beginning to remember which rocks hold strong. I descend the steep clif side in this manner. If I should fall, I might tumble through the sand and rocks to hit a boulder or tree or even fall into the rapid water. It is not dangerous but there is no harm in being careful.
I take my seat on the flattest boulder and remove the book my bag. I open it, and realize I've forgotten her instructions so I put it down again and fold my arms. When I've said the words, I pick up the book again and flip to my favorite verse thus far:

"And after they had tasted of

the fruit they were ashamed, be-

cause of those that were scoffing at

them; and they fell away into

forbidden paths and were lost."

I ponder these words and I think of those who would be my "scoffers" if they knew that I was here and that this is what I am reading... if they knew the life change I am considering. Some of them are my closest of friends.

The Bold One emerges from the river and her presense darkens this place. I am swept off to the Shadows. The Bold One stands in the ocean and she watches me. "Your whole life will change; everything you stand for," she says.

"This is a social change, really," I say. "How I view this world won't change all that much."

"Everything will change."

"For the better, maybe?"

"To who's opinion? Theirs?"

I considered her words. I chuckled. "Why must I always second guess myself?"

"You know I'm usually right," the Bold One growled. "I was right about him, about the stupid move."

I turned my wrist over. "I've gained a lot from my mistakes."

I flip the pages and turn to where I last left off. I wish I had taken the time to read more. I look at the painting and turn it sideways to read the description:

"Young Nephi subdues his rebellious brothers."

I laugh. "I should subdue you," I tell the Bold One. I read on. I feel lightened as I read and I enjoy each time a finish a chapter, close the book and my mind is clear. The Bold One's lips are sewn shut again, as if whenever I take a day not to read, her lips are loosened and I question myself.